Question about slants

[bbauer09]

Ok, so I am admittedly new to this whole DE shaving thing. But I have a lot of questions. I am currently shaving with a Merkur 34c, but I am looking at getting a razor soon. (ok I admit there may be a bit of RAD.)

Anyways, this may be a dumb question, but I am curious about the purpose of slants. What are the pros and cons to slants?! And, is there a specific one that would be recommended if I were to get a slant?

Thanks.

 

[gus1942]

Slants use a scythe like guillotine cutting action that is both smooth and effective. Use same technique as any DE razor without fear or reservation. The Merkur 37c and 39c slants have identical heads, with the 39c having the longer heavy barber pole handle. I use both, along with a Gillette New LC. For me, there are no cons.

 

[Copierguy]

If you are getting along OK with your 34c, then most likely you fare well with any slant that says Merkur, Hoffritz, POMCO, etc.

 

[john shea]

The slant is a bit more aggresive, but should be OK for anyone who can use the 34C without issues. They both work well with a good blade, good prep., and good technique. The slant head is suppose to cut at a slight angle liKe a guillotin blade or scythe for a closer shave with less tugging.

 

[celestino]

Slants use a scythe like guillotine cutting action that is both smooth and effective. Use same technique as any DE razor without fear or reservation. The Merkur 37c and 39c slants have identical heads, with the 39c having the longer heavy barber pole handle..

+1 i would start with the 37c to give you more control if you like regular handle on your DEs. Good luck.

 

[Mick]

Just close your eyes and pick one.

You can't go wrong

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/301979-8-Pass-Shave-Using-2-Merkur-Slants

 

[Invicta]

The slant produces the same effect as the Gillette slide technique. Have a look at this post.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...-and-Gillette-Slide?highlight=slant+bar+razor

 

[rxonmymind]

A very smooth shaving razor the slant. Copierguy one said it's like an Aristocrat and that's pretty dead on.

 

[smokeydave]

A very smooth shaving razor the slant. Copierguy one said it's like an Aristocrat and that's pretty dead on.

+1

 

[RaiserLiebe]

A "short and sweet" article with great pictures is the best I've seen: The Slant Concept http://shavenook.com/thread-the-slant-concept
Cheers

 

[oakeshott]

I had the 37c and tried the 39c and neither gave me a particularly better or more aggressive shave than any of my vintage OC's. I kept the 37c for a while even though it sat on the shelf. Then, on a whim, bought this razor:

When it arrived I was shocked at the condition of the razor and box. Never used. Still had the brand tag on it. Box was genuine leather and had scarcely aged in, I'm guessing, about 80 years.
View attachment 288742

The tag says Cabiri. Some tarnish on it.
View attachment 288743


After the baking soda/aluminum foil bath.
View attachment 288740

After it was cleaned, loaded it up with a feather and took her for a drive. That shave may have been the closest I've ever received and not a weeper. Over the following week, one might say I even tried to cut myself with the razor and couldn't. It seemed that all it was capable of doing was giving extremely close, irritation free shaves. After a few weeks with this razor, I sold the Merkur slant.

This experience led me to believe that the secret was "vintage slants". Well, about 2 months later, I got what was clearly a private labeled Hoffritz and that razor did not shave as well as the Cabiri. An excellent shaver, but not as efficient or as unwilling to bite.

The lesson to me is that it isn't whether the razor is slanted or not; it's whether the combination of elements that give the razor its performance characteristics match your shaving style in such a manner that you get blood free, effortlessly close shaves. Some categories of razors will tend to perform better (for me, it's Open Combs), but there may be an outlier from another category that beats everything. The answer is to try as many as time and your pocketbook will allow. If you like the look and feel of the slant, try 'em all.

 

[wagstaff]

oakeshott -- thanks for that great post, and pics. My attempt at using the 37c slant was... bad. Just an inefficient and irritating razor for me; I traded it for an R41 which was like the clouds parting. And I assumed slants were just not for me. But your story and pics of the Cabiri leave it open again.